The Apple Watch Is Finally Getting Blood Oxygen Sensing Back - WIRED

Apple Watch Users Rejoice: Blood Oxygen Sensing Feature to Be Restored

After a long wait, Apple has announced that it will be rolling out a software update to bring back the blood oxygen sensing feature on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra Watch 2 models purchased in the US. This update is expected to arrive later today, and users can expect their devices to regain this essential health-monitoring feature.

What is Blood Oxygen Sensing?

Blood oxygen sensing is a feature that uses the watch's built-in photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. This data can be used to monitor various health metrics, such as blood oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, and other physiological signals. The feature was introduced on Apple Watch Series 6 and later models but was removed from newer devices like the Apple Watch Ultra and some earlier models.

Why was Blood Oxygen Sensing Removed?

Apple removed blood oxygen sensing from certain models due to a technical issue that affected its accuracy. It appears that the company struggled to maintain consistency in the feature's performance across different watch models, leading to concerns about reliability and data quality.

What to Expect from the Update

The software update will likely include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and improvements to ensure that the blood oxygen sensing feature functions correctly on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra Watch 2 devices. While the exact details of the update are not yet available, users can expect their watches to receive the necessary firmware changes to restore this essential health-monitoring feature.

Benefits of Blood Oxygen Sensing

Blood oxygen sensing provides valuable insights into an individual's physiological state, enabling users to:

• Monitor blood oxygen saturation levels
• Track heart rate and other vital signs
• Identify potential health issues early on
• Enhance overall well-being and fitness tracking

Impact of the Update

The restoration of blood oxygen sensing on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra Watch 2 devices will have a positive impact on users who value this feature for its health-monitoring capabilities. The update will also demonstrate Apple's commitment to supporting its device lineup with timely software updates and bug fixes.

Timeline and Availability

The software update is expected to arrive later today, but the exact timing may vary depending on individual users' watch settings and connectivity conditions. Users can check their watch for any available notifications or prompts regarding the update.

Conclusion

Apple's decision to restore blood oxygen sensing on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra Watch 2 devices is a welcome move for users who value this essential health-monitoring feature. With the software update expected to arrive later today, users can look forward to regaining access to this valuable tool for monitoring their physical health.

Key Takeaways

• Blood oxygen sensing will be restored on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra Watch 2 devices via a software update.
• The update is expected to arrive later today, with exact timing varying depending on individual watch settings and connectivity conditions.
• Users can expect bug fixes, performance enhancements, and improvements to ensure accurate data quality.
• The restoration of blood oxygen sensing will have a positive impact on users who value this feature for its health-monitoring capabilities.

Related Topics

• Apple Watch
• Blood Oxygen Sensing
• Health Monitoring
• Software Update
• Fitness Tracking